You are driving on a busy street and your vehicle’s accelerator sticks open. You should
Answers
Blow your horn.
Slam on your brakes.
Turn on your four-way flashers.
Turn off your ignition, taking care not to engage the steering wheel locking mechanism.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct action to take when your vehicle’s accelerator sticks open is to turn off the ignition, taking care not to engage the steering wheel locking mechanism.
Explanation:
A stuck accelerator is a serious situation that can lead to high speeds and difficulty controlling the vehicle. When your vehicle’s throttle sticks open, the engine continues to send power to the wheels, which can cause the car to accelerate uncontrollably. Here’s a breakdown of the correct response:
- Turn off the ignition, but be cautious: The most immediate and effective response is to turn off the engine, cutting power to the wheels. However, you must be careful not to lock the steering wheel when turning off the ignition. If the steering wheel locks, it will prevent you from steering the car and could lead to a loss of control. Modern vehicles often have a system that prevents the steering from locking if you only turn the ignition to the “off” position, but always ensure you’re familiar with your vehicle’s features beforehand.
- Do not slam on your brakes: While it might seem like an intuitive response, slamming on the brakes can be dangerous. If the vehicle is accelerating uncontrollably, sudden braking could cause the car to skid or lose traction. Gradually applying the brakes is a safer option while trying to regain control of the situation.
- Turn on your four-way flashers: This is a good practice for alerting other drivers that you’re experiencing an emergency, but it does not directly help with stopping the car. It should be done once you’ve begun to manage the vehicle’s speed.
- Blowing your horn: This may be helpful to alert others of your situation but is not a primary action to take in this type of emergency.
In sum, turning off the ignition, while ensuring that the steering mechanism does not lock, is the best first response to a stuck accelerator. Afterward, you can focus on gradually slowing down and safely bringing the car to a stop.